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2,119 Mining Firms Fail To Remit N2.76bn To FG
A 2020 audit report of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has revealed thatover 2,119 companies operating in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry owe the federation over N2.76billion.
The report revealed that the sector has contributed a paltry ¦ 651.55billion to the government’s coffers in the past 13 years.
NEITI, in a statement released, yesterday, noted that the companies’ liabilities resulted from their failure to pay statutory annual service fees for respective mineral titles.
The report stated that 6,010 existing solid mineral titles were valid as of December 31, 2020, while 7,605 mining titles were issued in the industry in the past five years.
In his comments, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, stressed that the agency was determined to use its reports to unveil potential revenue recoveries that were awaiting immediate action by the relevant government agencies; especially now that the government was in a desperate search for revenues to finance widening budget deficits.
He said: “It is of interest to NEITI that every kobo counts to reduce government financial burden, and our reports will continue to provide useful information and data on who owes what in the oil, gas and mining sector. This is another impact that our reports will pursue in line with our mandate”, Orji declared.
He announced that the total revenue contributions from the sector in 2020 rose to N128.27billion, an increase of over 54percent from the N74.85billion recorded in 2019 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NEITI report also revealed that ¦ 8.89billion was shared to the federating units as solid minerals revenue in 2020.
Breakdown of the figure shows that the Federal Government received N4.07billion (45.83percent), states and local governments received N2.07billion and N1.59billion (23.25percent; 17.92percent), respectively while N1.16billion (13percent) was recorded as derivation share.
The NEITI Independent Solid Minerals Industry Report tracked and reconciled financial flows in the sector, checked quantities of minerals produced, utilised and exported in 2020.
It also examined the governance and process issues in the sector, outlined key findings and made far-reaching recommendations that require urgent remedies.
For instance, it disclosed that 71.1million metric tons of minerals were produced in 2020.
A breakdown of the total production showed that granite, limestone, sand and laterite were the highest contributors to minerals royalty payments recorded within the period.
NEITI further disclosed that five states of the federation topped the table, contributing 66percent of solid minerals produced in the country that year.
The first state is Ogun, followed by Kogi, Cross River, Edo and Bayelsastates.
On companies’ activities that shaped business investments in the solid minerals sector, the NEITI report identified Dangote Cement Plc as the first, followed by Lafarge Plc, BUA International and Dantata and Sawoe with the highest production accounting for about 64percent of the total mineral production volume in 2020.
NEITI further disclosed that total minerals exports in 2020 were 32.99million tons valued at $42.46million while China with 80percent of the total exports remained the major destination for Nigeria’s solid minerals exports.
From the report, a total of N3.87billion was recorded in 2020 as social expenditure, representing an increase of 49percent over the amount expended for the same purpose in 2019.
Besides, N5.8million was documented as environmental expenditure by three companies in the year, while information on Community Development Agreements was not disclosed.
The report further revealed that out of Nigeria’s total GDP of N152.32trillion in 2020, the solid minerals sector contributed N686.64billion representing only (0.45percent) while the sector’s contribution to the country’s exports during the period was a mere 0.14percent.
The NEITI report underlined the urgency for the government to invest aggressive energy, time, interest and resources towards the development of the solid minerals sector to maximise its potential for the future of Nigeria’s economy.
The NEITI report made 26 recommendations, one of which is the urgency to commence and intensify comprehensive reforms in the solid minerals sector.
It underlined as a priority, the restoration and establishment of a public-private-state-owned enterprise (SOE) to lead and drive investments in the sector.
This SOE, according to the report should be similar to the role of the NNPC in the oil and gas industry.
NEITI, however, strongly advised that any such public-private-state owned enterprise should adapt and emulate the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model.
NEITI has so far published 11 cycles of the solid minerals industry reports spanning the period 2007 to 2020.
The 2020 Solid Minerals Industry report was conducted by AmeduOnekpe& Co. Chartered Accountants, an indigenous firm familiar with the principles and standards of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and NEITI’s national mandate.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol